updated 01:30 am EST, Tue December 6, 2011

DRM-free version will wait till 2012

Frozenbyte will be releasing Trine 2, the long-awaited sequel to its fantasy physics side-scroller Trine first on Steam and in retail versions for Windows and Mac, followed by console versions later in December. The Steam and retail versions will debut on December 7th, with the North American PlayStation 3 network getting the game on December 20th, a day before the Xbox 360 Live Marketplace. A European release date for PlayStation is not yet confirmed.

The game features side-scrolling adventuring and physics challenges in a dungeon-crawl motif with exceptional graphics, even available in 3D on some systems. Players play as one of three heroes fighting their way through a fairytale environment to save a village, utilizing an artifact known as the Trine to allow characters to swap places for maximum advantage. The game combines action, platforming and physics puzzles using gravity, magic, fire and water to make progress.

The last beta has been available for Steam players, and the game has been available for pre-purchase on Steam and through other digital download channels, including Direct2Drive and GamersGate. A "Collector's Edition" of the physical retail version for PC and Mac will be released in Europe this week as well, which includes a digital artbook with commentary and the original soundtrack.

A DRM-free version of the game will be available in 2012, including one for Linux systems, and the game should appear in the Mac App Store and other outlets later in December. Trine 2 is priced at $15 for the regular edition, with the Collector's Edition selling for $25. The Mac and PC retail versions use Steamworks to allow for multiplayer play, achievements and Steam Cloud and Steam Play support.